Thread transporting apparatus



Nov. 9, 1965 R. SCHMIDT THREAD TRANSPORTING APPARATUS 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Aug. 17, 1964 Nov. 9, 1965 R. SCHMIDT 3,

THREAD TRANSPORTING APPARATUS Filed Aug. 17, 1964 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 Nov. 9, 1965 R. SCHMIDT 3,

THREAD TRANSPORTING APPARATUS Filed Aug. 17, 1964 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 Nov. 9, 1965 R. SCHMIDT THREAD TRANSPORTING APPARATUS 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Aug. 17, 1964 Nov. 9, 1965 R. SCHMIDT 3,216,222 I THREAD TRANSPORTING APPARATUS Filed Aug. 17, 1964 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 Nov. 9, 1965 SCHMIDT 3,216,222

THREAD 'IRANSPORTING APPARATUS Filed Aug. 17, 1964 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 F/GT l4 ZY mi /5/ /r/ INVENTOR I P/coni frL /fi 29 J. Jfr r TORNEY United States Patent 3,216,222 THREAD TRANSPORTHJG APPARATUS Richard Schmidt, Stuttgart-Vaihingen, Germany, assignor to Franz Morat G.m.b.H., Stuttgart-Vaihingen, Germany Filed Aug. 17, 1964, Ser. No. 390,776 Claims priority, application Germany, Aug. 16, 1963, M 57,843; Sept. 3, 1963, M 58,049 20 Claims. (CL 66-132) The present invention relates to a thread transporting apparatus, and more particularly to a thread transporting apparatus for drawing a thread from a spindle, and for supplying the thread to one of several knitting stations of a knitting machine.

Different types of thread transporting apparatus, sometimes referred to as fournisseur, are used in knitting machines. For certain knitting operations, it is desired to transport the threads to the several knitting stations in such a manner that slippage of the thread on a transporting roller is possible, while for other knitting operations, no slippage is tolerated, and the thread must be positively transported so that no slipping of the transported thread on the surface of the transporting roller is possible.

Thread transporting apparatus which transports with slippage includes rapidly rotating transporting rollers with a smooth transporting surface about which the thread partly or completely passes. Varying thread tensions are compensated by a variation of the sliding friction between the thread and the surface of the transporting roller. Thread transporting apparatus of this type is particularly suited for the knitting of successive differently knitted rows, in circular knitting machines for example when separating thread rows and rib stitch rows follow each other.

However, when plain fabric or a jacquard pattern is knitted on a circular knitting machine, it is necessary to transport the thread to the knitting stations without any slippage. Under such circumstances, positively transporting thread transporting means, for example two cooperating rollers, or a roller and a band engaging the roller surface are used. When two cooperating rollers are provided, only one is driven. In the other construction the band is driven and drives the counter roller. In both constructions, the freely rotatable counter roller has a smooth surface.

It is one object of the invention to provide a thread transporting apparatus for transporting a thread either positively without slippage, or with slippage.

Another object of the invention is to provide a knitting machine with thread transporting apparatus which is operable to supply to the needles either a positively transported thread, or thread transported in such a manner that slippage is possible.

Another object of the invention is to use a driven transporting roller for transporting a thread in such a manner that slipping of the thread on the surface of the transporting roller is possible, and to press the thread by another transporting means against the surface of the roller in such a manner that the thread is positively transported when required by the operational conditions.

Another object of the invention is to control the thread transporting apparatus of a circular knitting machine from pattern control means in such a manner that the thread is positively or non-positively transported to the needles in accordance with the type of binding of the respective knitting row.

With these objects in view, the present invention relates to thread transporting apparatus which is particularly suited for circular knitting machines. One embodiment of the invention comprises first transporting means,

3,216,222 Patented Nov. 9, 1965 for example a transporting roller, having a first transporting surface; guide means for guiding a thread over the first transporting surface; first drive means for driving the first transporting means, preferably an electric motor; second transporting means, such as a second roller or a band, having a second transporting surface; second drive means for driving the second transporting means; and means for moving one of the transporting means between a first position in which the transporting surfaces are spaced from each other and a second position in which the transporting surfaces cooperate.

In the first position in which the transporting surfaces are spaced, the thread is transported only by the first transporting means, so that it is held on the same by friction only and is free to slip on the surface of the first transporting means. However, when the first and second transporting surface cooperate, then the thread is pressed against the transporting surfaces, cannot slip, and is positively transported.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the first transporting means is a transporting roller driven by an electric motor which can be energized or de-energized by a switch. Support means support either the motor driven first transporting roller, or the other transporting means for movement between the above explained first and second positions. The support means operate the switch to energize the motor of the first transporting means when the two transporting means are spaced from each other and the thread is transported only by the first transporting means with slippage. When the supporting means is in the other position in which the transporting surfaces engage each other, and the thread is positively transported, the switch is shifted to a position in which the electric motor is de-energized, permitting the first transporting roller to freely rotate sothat it is driven by the second transporting means, which may be a band or another transporting roller.

Broadly speaking, the first transporting means may be controlled by any drive means which can be placed by actuating means in an operative or inoperative condition, and such actuating means are controlled by the support means when the same are shifted.

In accordance with the present invention, one of the transporting means is freely movable when the other transporting means cooperates therewith to positively transport the thread. However, the transporting means which is freely rotatable during such operation, is driven when used for transporting the thread alone in a manner permitting slippage.

In one embodiment of the invention, the motor driven transporting roller is mounted on a movable support to be shifted between the above explained transporting positions. In another embodiment of the invention, the other transporting means or transporting roller is mounted on the movable support, and can be moved toward and away from the transporting roller which is capable of being driven by a motor, or to freely rotate. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the transporting roller which is used for transporting the thread alone when slippage is desirable, is mounted on the outer rotor of the electric motor whose stat-or is located within the rotor, and the transporting surface of the roller is hard and has a mirrorlike finish. When the electric motor is de-energized, the transporting roller with the rotor is freely rotatable in the stator.

Circular knitting machines having a plurality of knitting stations require the supply of at least one thread to each knitting station. In accordance with the invention, a thread transporting apparatus, as explained above, is provided for each knitting station so that each knitting station can be supplied with positively transported thread or with frictionally transported thread which is capable of slipping on the transporting roller.

The second transporting means may be an endless band extending around the machine and being driven. The above described motor driven transporting rollers are provided at each knitting station and cooperate with the band when positive transporting is required, but are spaced from the band to transport the thread with slippage to the knitting station, when required.

In another embodiment of the invention, a transporting roller, and an electric motor for the same, are mounted at each knitting station, and cooperate with another transporting roller which is movable between a position co operating with the first mentioned roller, and a position spaced from the same. A common friction member drives all the shiftable transporting rollers when the same are in the position cooperating with the first mentioned transporting roller, but the friction coupling is interrupted when the two transporting rollers are spaced from each other.

In one embodiment of the invention, the support means of the movable transporting roller is turned about an axis perpendicular to the roller axis, and in another embodiment of the invention, the support means is turned about an axis parallel to the axis of the transporting roller. The latter construction has the advantage that the transporting rollers are safely placed in the cooperating position in which they engage each other along the entire length thereof, and that during the movement of the positive transporting roller toward the nonpositive transporting roller, no pressure is exerted on the thread which may cause a displacement of the same out of the plane in which the thread runs on the respective transporting roller.

It is advantageous to provide a coupling between the positive transporting roller and its drive, so that the -driv ing connection of the positive transporting roller is interrupted when the positive transporting roller is inoperative, and the thread is transported only by the nonpositive transporting roller. Such a coupling is preferably a friction coupling including a friction roller coaxial with the positive transporting roller. However, gears may also be used as coupling connections.

In one embodiment of the invention, a friction Wheel is provided at each knitting station for driving the respective friction roller, and all friction wheels are driven by an endless belt passing over pulleys connected to the friction wheel.

The novel features which are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in particular in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, both as to its construction and its method of operation, together with additional objects and advantages thereof, will be best understood from the following description of specific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a side'elev-ati'on, partially in section, illustrating a knitting machine provided with a thread transporting apparatus according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary schematic plan view at the level of the line II-II in FIG. 1 and illustrating a transporting band;

FIG. 3 is an elevation, partially in section along line III-III in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an elevation, partially in section taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is an elevation illustrating the apparatus of FIG. 3 in one operational condition in which a thread is positively transported;

FIG. 5a is an elevation illustrating the apparatus of FIG. 3 in another operational position in which a thread is non-positively transported;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary elevation illustrating another embodiment of the invention partly in section along the axis of the machine, and including an electric circuit diagram;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary schematic side elevation illustrat-ing one operation-a1 position of the transporting means of the embodiment of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary axial sectional view of a machine provided with a third embodiment of the thread transporting apparatus;

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary front elevation illustrating the embodiment of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary horizontal sectional view taken on line XX in FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 is a fragmentary plan view, partially in section illustrating a circular knitting machine provided with an apparatus as shown in FIG. 8 at each of the knitting stations of the machine;

FIG. 12 is a fragmentary plan view illustrating a pattern control device for ope-rating thread transporting apparatus according to the invention;

FIG. 13 is a fragmentary elevational view of the device taken on line XIII-XIII in FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a fragmentary sectional view taken on llne XIVXIV in FIG. 12; and

FIG. 15 is a fragmentary sectional view on an enlarged scale taken on line XV-XV in FIG. 14.

Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 5 and 5a, a circular knitting machine having eight knitting stations includes a needle cylinder 1 and a dial 2 which are rotated about the vertical axis of the knitting machine and respectively guide cylinder needles 3 and dial needles 4 which are operated by stationary cylinder cams 5 and dial cams 6 to knit a thread 8 which is supplied by a thread guide 7 at each knitting station of the machine. The threads 8 are supplied by thread spindles 9 mounted on a support on the top of the machine resting on the stationary vertical column 13. Each thread 8 passes through a high thread guide 110, and then downwardly first through the transporting means It 22, which will be described hereinafter, to the thread guide 7 associated with the respective knitting station.

In the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 5 and So, an endless transporting band 10 passes around a plurality of guide rollers 11 mounted on arms 12 which radially project from the center column 13 of the machine, as best seen in FIG. 2. One arm 16, also shown in FIG. 4, supports an inner drive roller 14, and an outer drive roller 15 for driving the endless transporting band 10. A gear 19 on a driven shaft 20 drives a gear 18 connected to drive roller 14 and meshing with a gear 17 connected to drive roller 15 so that drive rollers 14 and 15 are rotated to frictionally drive transporting band 10 at a predetermined speed. Shaft 20 is connected to the drive of the knitting machine by which the needle cylinder 1 is driven.

Between each pair of adjacent arms 12, and between arm 16 and the adjacent arms 12, radial arms 21 project from: the center column 13 and carry transporting rollers 22,

located outwardly of transporting band 10, as best seen in FIGS. 2 and 3. Roller 22 is a hollow tubular member with a smooth hard surface. Within the tubular roller 22, an electric motor is located which has an inner stator 23, and an outer rotor directly connected to the inner surface of the tubular transporting roller 22 so that upon energization of stator 23 through conductor 25, the rotor, not visible in FIG. 3, and transporting roller 22 is rotated.

The bearing and housing of stator 23 aremounted on: a movable support shown to be a lever 26 mounted on a: pivot pin 24 for turning movement about an axis perpen-- dicular to the axis of rotation of transporting roller 22,

pivot means 24 being mounted on a bracket 21a secured to each arm 21. I

It is evident'that support lever 26 can be' turned to move transporting roller 22 between the position shown in FIGS. 3 and 5 in which the surface of transporting roller 22 engages the surface of transporting band 10, and the position illustrated in FIG. 5a in which the transporting surfaces of the transporting means and 22 are spaced from each other.

The conductors which supply electric current to the stator 23 of the electric motor are providedwith a spiral portion 25a permitting the angular displacement of the electric motor with transporting roller 22 without any pull on the conductors 25.

A spring 27 connects each supporting lever 26 w1th a fixed bracket 28 on the frame of the machine so that the transporting roller 22 is normally held in the position shown in FIGS. 3 and 5.

An arm 29 projects downwardly from each transporting roller 22 and is connected to a control wire which is guided through a guide means 30a on the frame of the machine, as shown in FIG. 1, all wires 30 being connected to the pattern control means of the machine, or to other control means which effect pulling of wires 30 or release of wires 30, in accordance with knitting operations performed by the machine to make rows of loops of thread 8.

When a pull is exerted on a wire 30, and transporting roller 22 is angularly displaced to the position of FIG. 5a, arm 29 moves toward and engages a switch 31 which is connected into the circuit of the respective electric motor driving the respective transporting roller 22 in such a manner that actuation of switch 31 in the position of FIG. 5a will cause the electric motor to rotate and to drive transporting roller 22. In the position of FIG. 3 and FIG. 5, however, the switch is released by arm 29, and consequently the electric motor is not energized and transporting roller 22 is not driven. The construction of the electric motor is such that transporting roller 22 with the rotor of the electric motor can freely turn in the stationary stator if the motor is not energized due to the release of the actuating switch 31.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 5a, each thread 8 is guided from a thread guide 110 to a thread guide 110a, a thread guide 110b, over the transporting surface of transporting roller 22, through a thread guide 1100, and finally to the thread guide 7 shown in FIG. 1.

When the knitting machine is in an operational condition requiring a positive transport of thread 8 to the needles 2 and 3 of the knitting machine the respective control wire 30, or control wires 30 are released by the control station so that spring 27 turns support lever 26 in clockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 3 and places transporting roller 22 in a position abutting the surface of the driven band 10. Since arm 29 is spaced from switch 31, the electric motor within transporting roller 22 is not energized, transporting roller 22 is freely rotatable, and consequently transporting roller 22 is driven by the band 10 so that the transporting surfaces of band 10 and roller 22 move at the same speed and exert pressure against the thread portion which is located between transporting band 10 and transporting roller 22. Consequently, even if a pull is exerted by the knitting needles on thread 8, the thread cannot slip between the transporting means 10, 22 and is positively transported at the speed of the transporting band 10 which is determined by the drive rollers 14 and 15 described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 4.

However, when the stitches to be knitted in another row are of such a nature that the thread 8 is to be supplied in such a manner as to permit a variable amount of thread to be knitted by the needles, the control wires are operated to pull support means 26 to the position shown in FIG. 5a so that the surface of transporting roller and the thread thereon are spaced from the driven band 10. However, due to the displacement of the arm 29, switch 31 is closed and the motor within transporting roller 22 is energized and immediately starts to rotate transporting roller 22 at a high speed whereby the thread guided 'over the transporting surface of transporting roller 22 is transported toward the needles.

Thread 8 is in no way positively connected to transporting roller 22, but is free to slip on its smoothly finished surface so that thread 8 is nonpositively transported to the knitting needles at the respective knitting station.

It will be understood that if successive rows are to be knitted in different styles, the control wires will be operated from the pattern control means of the machine to place the transporting means 10, 22 either in the position of FIG. 5 for positively transporting the thread, or in the position of FIG. 5:1 for non-positively transporting the thread permitting a slipping of the thread on transporting roller 22, as will be described hereinafter with reference to FIGS. 12 to 14. Of course, when the pull of Wire 39 is released, spring 27 shifts the support and transporting roller 22 from the position of FIG. 5a to the position of FIG. 5, and since switch 31 is released during such movement, transporting roller 22 is no longer driven in the position of FIG. 5, but freely rotates while being driven by transporting band 10.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 5 and 5a, the support of the transporting roller 22 which is adapted to transport the thread with slippage, is shifted. In the embodiments of FIGS. 6 to 7., and 8 to 11, the arrangement is reversed.

Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 7, the knitting machine which is provided with the second embodiment of the thread transporting means according to the invention, is represented by a needle cylinder 1 guiding cylinder needles 3, and by a dial 2 guiding dial needles 4. A shaft 34a is mounted on a frame portion 40a for rotation about an axis coinciding with the main axis of the needle cylinder 1. A pinion 34 is secured to shaft 34a and meshes with an inner gear on a rotary drive member 33 which rests on an annular surface 32 on the frame of the machine. Member 33 has a circular friction surface 33:: and is rotated about the main axis of the machine by shaft 340 which is driven from the drive means of the needle cylinder 1. A support shaft 38 is mounted for turning movement on a support lever means 41 which is pivotally supported by a shaft 39 mounted on frame portion 40 of the machine. A spring 42 connects the end of support lever 41 with another fixed frame portion 42b and urges support 41 to turn in counterclockwise direction about pivot shaft 39. A control wire 43 is connected to supporting lever 1, and adapted to exert a pull on the same for turning support lever 41 in clockwise direction.

A support 41 is provided in the region "of each knitting station of the circular knitting machine, and each shaft 38 carries a friction roller 35 and a transporting roller 35a: connected to each other for rotation. The cylindrical friction surface of friction roller 35 engages the circular friction surface 33a in the position of FIG. 6 due to the action of spring 42. Consequently, the several friction rollers 35 at the knitting stations of the machine, and the associated transporting roller 35a will be rotated at a speed related to the rotary speed of the needle cylinder 1 of the machine. However, when a control wire 43 is operated and support means 41 turns in clockwise direction, friction roller 35 will be moved in a position spaced from the friction surface 33a so that the coupling between the rotary member 33 and the rotary friction roller 35 is interupted, and transporting roller 35:: will no longer be driven.

Each transporting roller 35a cooperates with another transporting roller 36, pairs of rollers 35a and 36 being mounted in cicumferentially spaced position around the circumference of the knitting machine.

Each transporting roller 36 is tubular, and driven by an electric motor whose outer rotor is secured to the inner surface of the tubular transporting roller 36, while its inner stator is supported on the stationary frame portion 32 of the machine. The motor is connected by conductors 37, 37a to a switch 44 mounted on frame portion 40 of the machine. In the position of FIG. 6, support lever 41 is spaced from switch 44, but when control wire 43 is operated and support lever 41 turns in clockwise direction, switch 44 is actuated and causes energization of the motor within transporting roller 36 so that the same is driven. However, if switch 44 is not actuated, the electric motor is de-energized, and transporting roller 36 is freely rotatable together with the rotor of the electric motor.

A spindle 46 is provided in the region of each knitting station of the machine, and a thread 45 is guided through suitable thread guides 11017 and 1100 over the surface of transporting roller 36, as best seen in FIG. 7. The thread is then guided by a thread guide 7 to the knitting needles 3 and 4 of the machine.

The embodiment of FIGS. 6 and 7 is operated as follows: When the knitting of a row of stitches requiring positive transport of thread 45 takes place, the control wires 43 are released by the control station so that springs 42 move support levers 41 to the transporting position illustrated in FIG. 6 in which friction roller 35 abuts friction surface 33a and is driven by rotary drive member 33 from the drive means of the machine. Transporting roller 35a rests on the surface of transporting roller 36 which is freely rotatable since support lever 41 does not engage switch 44 so that the electric motor of transporting roller 36 is not energized. The thread portion passing over transporting roller 36 is pressed by transporting roller 35a against the surface of transporting roller 36, so that thread is positively transported by the driven transporting roller 35a, with transporting roller 36 driven by transporting roller 350. No slippage of the thread is possible between roller 35a and 36 due 'to the pressure exerted by the spring-loaded transporting roller 35a on the thread.

When a different row of stitches requires the nonpositive transport of the thread 45, the control'station causes a pull on the respective wire 43 so that support lever 41 is turned in clockwise direction about pivot shaft 39 and closes actuating switch 44 so that the electric motor in transporting roller 36 starts to rotate and drives transporting roller 36 at a high speed. Pivotal movement of support lever 41 has separated transporting roller 35a from transporting roller 36 and the thread portion on the same so that the thread is no longer clamped between the transporting surfaces of rollers 35a and 36. At the same time, the frictional coupling between members 35 and 33 is interrupted, since friction roller 35 is raised to an angular position spaced from friction surface 33a. Transporting roller 35a and friction roller 35 will come to a stop, but are inoperative while the thread is transported by transporting roller 36 in such a manner that the thread may slip on the transporting surface of transporting roller 36.

It will be seen that in the embodiment of FIGS. 6 and 7, transporting roller 35a is pivoted about the axis of pivot shaft 39 which is perpendicular to the axis of rotation of transporting roller 35a.

The embodiment of FIGS. 8 to 11 corresponds to the embodiment of FIGS. 6 and 7 inasmuch as the electrically driven transporting roller 36' is not displaced in a translatory movement, but in the embodiment of FIGS. 8 to 11, the transporting roller which effects positive transport of the thread, is moved in a translatory movement about an axis which is parallel to the axis of rotation of the transporting rollers.

Referring now to FIGS. 8 to 11, the thread transporting apparatus according to this embodiment is mounted on a circular stationary housing part 50 which rests on vertical columns 51 on the frame of the knitting machine. Housing part 50 is located above the dial cam housing and supported by columns 51 on the same. In the regions of the circumferentially spaced knitting stations, bearings 50d are provided in housing part 50, and support shafts 57 of friction wheel 56. Shafts 57 are axially movable in bearings 50d together with friction wheel 56, and such movement is opposed by spring means 58 resting on circular bearing plates 59 of antifriction thrust bearings.

Shafts 57 are mounted in bearings 50c and connected to each friction wheel 56. Each shaft 57 carries a pulley 60, and as best seen in FIG. 11, an endless belt 61 passes over all pulleys 60 and over a drive pulley 62 which is driven by the main shaft of the needle cylinder of the machine. Consequently, all friction wheels 56 are continuously rotated at a speed related to the rotary speed of the knitting cylinder.

The vertical annular wall of housing portion 50 has vertical slots 50a through which shafts 54 pass. The end of each shaft 54 carries a friction roller 55 in frictional engagement with the corresponding friction wheel 56 and driven by the same in the position of FIG. 8. Each shaft 54 carries a transporting roller 52 so that transporting roller 52- is driven by friction wheel 56 through friction roller 55.

Shaft 54 is mounted in bearing portions of two support levers 63a and 6312 which are connected by a tubular sleeve 65 mounted for turning movement on a shaft 64 whose axis is parallel to the axis of shaft 54 as best seen in FIGS. 9 and 10. A lever arm 67 is secured to sleeve 65 and urged by a spring 66 to turn in counterclockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 8 together with levers 63a and 63b so that friction roller 55 is pressed against the circular friction surface of drive wheel 56. The lower end of each lever arm 67 is connected to a control wire or link 68 which is operated from a central control station in accordance with the pattern knitted on the knitting machine. When link or wire 68 is pulled to the left as viewed in FIG. 9, lever arm 67 is angularly displaced to the position illustrated in chain lines so that levers 63a and 63b turn in the same direction to the position shown in chain lines and raise transporting roller 52 together with friction roller 55. Since in this position friction roller 55 is spaced from friction wheel 56, the coupling between the drive means of the knitting machine and transporting roller 52 is interrupted, and transporting roller 52 is no longer driven.

The other transporting roller 36' is fixedly connected to the rotor of an electric motor whose stator winding 360 is connected by three conductors 70 to three conductors 69 extending around the inner surface of housing portion 50 around the circumference of the machine, so that the electric motors of transporting roller 36' which are provided at the eight knitting stations of the machine, can be easily connected to the ring conductor 69. The stator part 63a is mounted on the vertical wall of housing portion 50, and has a bearing portion in which the shaft of the rotor 36b is mounted for rotation.

Each transporting roller 36 is mounted on the vertical annular wall of housing portion 50 for adjustment in vertical direction in a slot 50a, so that the proper engagement between the surface of transporting roller 52 and the surface of transporting roller 36 is assured.

The ring shaped vertical wall of housing portion 50 also supports a switch 72, as best seen in FIGS. 8 and 9 which is located in the path of movement of a projection near the end of lever 67. When lever 67 and lever 63a and 63b are turned by operation of a link wire 60a to the position shown in chain lines in FIG. 9, switch 72 is engaged and actuated. Switch 72 is located in the circuit of the correlated electric motor of transporting roller 36, and energizes the electric motor when transporting roller 52 is raised by levers 63a and 63b to a position in which its surface is spaced from the surface of transporting roller 36.

As shown in the upper portion of FIG. 9, the thread 73 is supplied by a thread package through thread guides 74, 75, 76 to the surface of transporting roller 36', and passes from there through a thread guide 7 to the cylinder needles 3 of needle cylinder 2 and to the dial needles 4 of dial 1. The embodiment of FIGS. 8 to 11 is operated in the following manner: When the character of the stitches of a row to be knitted on the circular knitting machine is such that positive transport of thread 73 is required, the central control station releases the wires 68 so that springs 66 pull all supports 67, 63a, 63b to the position illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9. Each friction roller 55 is pressed against the top surface of friction wheel 56 and presses the same slightly downward in axial direction against the action of spring 58 so that a reliable frictional coupling between the friction surfaces of coupling member 55 and 56 is achieved. Since all friction wheels 56 are driven by the corresponding pulleys 60 and the endless belt 61, shaft 54 is rotated within the bearings at the end of lever arms 63a and 6312. Spring 66 also urges transporting roller 52 downward into engagement with transporting roller 36' about which a portion of the thread 73 passes so that the thread is clamped between the transporting surfaces of transporting rollers 52 and 36 and positively transported by the driven transporting roller 52 in cooperation with a freely rotatable transporting roller 36' which is in no way influenced by the deenergized stator 360.

When the row of stitches to be produced on the knitting machine is of such a character that a slippage of the thread 73 is desired, the corresponding control wires 68 are actuate-d to turn lever arm 67 against the action of spring 66 so that friction roller 55 is raised from the surface of friction wheel 56 whereby the driving connection between the machine and transporting roller 52 is interrupted. At the same time, the transporting surface of transporting roller 52 is moved away from the transporting surface of roller 36' so that thread 73 is no longer clamped between the transporting surfaces. In the end position of lever 67, actuator switch 72 is closed, and transporting roller 36' is rotated at a very high speed so that the peripheral speed of the transporting surface of transporting roller 36' is a multiple of the highest desired and possible speed of thread 73 which is drawn off the spindle 9 and transported to the knitting station formed by the respective needles 3 and 4. Since the thread is not clamped in this condition of the apparatus, slipping of the thread on transporting roller 36 is possible.

When the guide wire 68 is again released, spring 66 turns supporting means 67, 63a, 63b in counterclockwise direction so that transporting roller 52 again abuts the surface of transporting roller 36', resulting in a positive transport of the thread. Since lever arm 67 releases switch 72, the electric motor transporting roller 36' is deenergized, and the transporting roller 36' is free to rotate at a lower speed determined by the rotary speed of transporting roller 52.

The thread transporting apparatus according to the above described embodiments of the invention is perated from a central pattern control device in accordance with the pattern knitted on the machine since positive or non-positive transport of the thread must be selected in accordance with the nature of the stitch knitted at the respective knitting stations.

One embodiment of a pattern control device is illustrated in FIGS. 1214, and can be applied to each embodiment of the invention. The pattern control device shown in FIGS. 12-15 is intended for the operation of twenty-four thread transporting apparatus provided at twenty-four stations of a knitting machine. In FIG. 2 only eight knitting stations were assumed for the sake of simplicity.

Between two knitting stations, that is between the first and the twenty-fourth stations along the circumference of the machine, two drums, 145 and 146, are mounted for turning movement on vertical journals 145a and 146a, as best seen in FIG. 13. Journals 145a and 146a are mounted on the stationary housing ring 101 in the embodiment of FIG. 1, or on the ring-shaped housing portion 50 in the embodiment of FIGS. 8 and 9 and disposed below the transporting apparatus.

The control wires 30 in the embodiment of FIG. 1, or 43, 68 of the other embodiments, are guided over the drums 145, 146 so that twelve control wires 30 pass over each drum. Circumferentially extending grooves on the drum-s guide and separate the control wires. Correspondingly, each of the twenty-four control wires is connected to a lever 26 (FIGS. 15), or 41 (FIG. 6), or 67 (FIG. 9) which displaces the corresponding transporting roller. The other ends of all control wires are connected to the arms 151' of twenty-four angular levers 151 which are mounted on a horizontal shaft 152 for angular movement spaced from drums and 146. Bearings 153 and 154 support shaft 152 and are mounted on a housing wall 155 located opposite :a corresponding housing wall 156. Guide ridges 155a and 156a are provided on confronting surfaces of walls 155 and 156 to guide slides 157, best seen in FIG. 15, which have upper portions 157d normally engaged by the lower arms 151" of the angular levers 151 under the action of springs 27 (FIG. 3), which pull wires 30 to the left as viewed in FIG. 15 to turn levers 151 to the position illustrated in solid lines in FIG. 15. The housing walls 155, 156 are mounted on the frame of the machine, for example, on the annular housing portions 101 or 50. Each angular lever 151 cooperates with a slide 157, and the respective springs 27, or 42, or 66 urge the slides to a lower position in which the lower end 157a of each slide 157 engages a corresponding pattern chain 158. The pattern chains are guided over turnable chain drums 159 which have twenty-four toothed crowns 158a preventing slipping of the twenty-four chains.

Drive means, not shown, cause stepwise turning movement of the chain drum 159 in synchronism with the pattern chain by which the stitch formation of the machine is determined. Lugs 162 are set on chains 158 in accordance with the pattern, or more particularly in accordance with the desired positive or non-positive transport of the thread as determined by the pattern of the stitches.

In the event that a chain link wtihout a lug 162 is engaged by a slide 157, as shown in FIG. 15, spring 27 (FIG. 3), which acts on arm 26 carrying roller 22, pulls the respective lever 151 to turn in counterclockwise direction until the slide abuts the chain, and since in this position any control lever 151 permits roller 22 to assume a position abutting band 10, the thread is positively transported.

However, if a lug 162 is located under one or several of the slides 157, the slides cannot move down so far, and the respective levers 151 cannot turn beyond the position illustrated in broken lines in FIG. 15 in which wires 30 are displaced and the respective roller 22 is in the position shown in FIG. 5a. At the same time, member 29 operates switch 31, as explained with reference to FIGS. 1-5a, and a corresponding operation takes place in the other embodiments of the invention.

The chain drum 159 moves stepwise, one step for each revolution of the needle cylinder. Consequently, after each step, the positions of all twenty-four transporting rollers can be changed. If not all aligned chain links are provided with a lug 162, only some thread transporting means at some knitting stations will be shifted to positive transport of the thread, while others may remain in the position in which the thread is non-positively transported and slippage of the thread is possible. FIG. 14 shows every second control lever 151 in the position shown in broken lines in FIG. 15.

In order to safely hold wires 30 in the grooves of drums 145, 146, all wires are guided through bores 164a in guide members 164, or in bores 163a in guide members 163, as best seen in FIGS. 12 and 13.

The chain drum 159 remains in one angular position as long :as no variation of the operational condition of the transporting rollers is required. Consequently, the chain drum is not turned one step after each revolution of the needle cylinder, but only when a new setting of one or all transporting rollers is required by the pattern. If only some links of the transporting ro lle-rs are to be shifted,

l l the next following chain of the transporting rollers which are not to be shifted, have a lug 162, if in the preceding position :a lug was provided on the same chain, and have no lug 162 if in the preceding position of the respective chain no lug was provided. In this manner an arresting of levers 26, or 41, or 67 in the position for non-positive transport is avoided which would require additlonal mechanism for releasing the respective levers.

It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or two or more together, may also find a useful application in other types of knitting machines differing from the types described above.

While the invention has been illustrated and described as embodied in a thread transporting apparatus for posltively or non-positively transporting a thread to the needles at the knitting stations of a circular knitting machine, it is not intended to be limitedto the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention.

Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can by applying current knowledge readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention and, therefore, such adaptations should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalence of the following claims.

What is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is:

1. A thread transporting apparatus comprising, in combination, first transporting means having a first transporting surface; guide means for guiding a thread over said first transporting surface; first drive means for driving said first transporting means; second transporting mean having a second transporting surface; second drive means for driving said second transporting means; and means for moving one of said transporting means between a first position in which said first and second transporting surfaces are spaced from each other and said thread is transported by said first transporting means so that it is free to slip on said first transporting surface, and a second position in which said first and second transporting surfaces cooperate to positively transport said thread without slippage.

2. A thread transporting apparatus comprising, in combination, a transporting roller having a first transporting surface; guide means for guiding a thread over said first transporting surface; first drive means for driving said first transporting roller; second transporting means having a second transporting surface; second drive means for driving said second transporting means; and means for moving said transporting roller between a first position in which said first and second transporting surfaces are spaced from each other and said thread is transported by said first transporting roller so that it is free to slip on said first transporting surface, and a second position in which said first and second transporting surfaces cooperate to positively transport said thread without slippage.

3. A thread transporting apparatus comprising, in combination, a first transporting roller having a first transporting surface; guide means for guiding a thread over said first transporting surface; first drive means for driving said first transporting roller; a second transporting roller having a second transporting surface; second drive means for driving said second transporting roller; and means for moving said second transporting roller between a first position in which said first and second transporting surfaces are spaced from each other and said thread is transported by said first transporting roller so that it is free to slip on said first transporting surface, and a second position in which said first and second transporting 12 sufaces cooperate to positively transport said thread without slippage.

4. A thread transporting apparatus comprising, in combination, first transporting means having a first transporting surface; guide means for guiding a thread over said first transporting surface; first drive means having a first condition for driving said first transporting means and a second condition in which said first transporting means is freely movable; second transporting means having a second transporting surface; second drive means for driving said second transporting means; support means supporting one of said transporting means for movement between a first position in which said first and second transporting surfaces are spaced from each other and a second position in which said first and second transporting surfaces cooperate to positively transport said thread; and control means for selectively moving said one transporting means to said first position and placing said first drive means in said second condition so that said thread is transported by said first transporting means only and is free to slip on the same, or for moving said one transporting means to said second position and placing said first drive means in said second condition so that said thread is positively transported without slippage.

5. A thread transporting apparatus comprising, in combination, first transporting means having a first transporting surface; guide means for guiding a thread over said first transporting surface; first drive means having a first condition for driving said first transporting means and a second condition in which said first transporting means is freely movable; actuator means connected to said first drive means and being operable to place the same in said first condition or in said second condition; second transporting means having a second transporting surface; second drive means for driving said second transporting means; support means movable between a first position and a second position for supporting one of said transporting means for movement between a first position in which said first and sec-ond transporting surfaces are spaced from each other and a second position in which said first and second transporting surfaces cooperate to positively transport said thread, said support means being operably connected to said actuator means for operating the same to place said first drive means in said first or second conditions, respectively, when said support means is in said first or second positions, respectively; and control means connected to said support means for selectively moving the same between said first and second positions thereof for moving said one transporting means to said first position and placing said first drive means in said second condition so that said thread is transported by said first transporting means only and is free to slip on the same, or for moving said one transporting means to said second position and placing said first drive means in said second condition so that said thread is positively transported without slippage.

6. A thread transporting apparatus comprising, in combination, a transporting roller having a first transporting surface; guide means for guiding a thread over said first transporting surface; first drive means having a first condition for driving said first transporting roller and a second condition in which said first transporting roller is freely turnable; second transporting means having a second transporting surface; second drive means for driving said second transporting means; support means supporting said transporting roller for movement between a first position in which said first and second transporting surfaces are spaced from each other and a second position in which said first and second transporting surfaces cooperate to positively transport said thread; and control means for selectively moving said transporting roller to said first position and placing said first drive means in said second condition so that said thread is transported by said first transporting roller only and is free to slip on the same, or for moving said transporting roller to 13 said second position and placing said first drive means in said second condition so that said thread is positively transported without slippage.

7. A thread transporting apparatus comprising, in combination, a first transporting roller having a first transporting surface; guide means for guiding a thread over said first transporting surface; first drive means having a first condition for driving said first transporting roller and a second condition in which said first transporting roller is freely turnable; a second transporting roller having a second transporting surface; second drive means for driving said second transporting roller; support means supporting said second transporting roller for movement between a first position in which said first and second transporting surfaces are spaced from each other and a second position in which said first and second transporting surfaces cooperate to positively transport said thread; and control means for selectively moving said second transporting roller to said first position and placing said first drive means in said second condition so that-said thread is transported by said first transporting roller only and is free to slip on the same, or for moving said second transporting roller to said second position and placing said first drive means in said second condition so that said thread is positively transported without slippage.

8. A thread transporting apparatus comprising, in combination, a transporting roller having a first transporting surface; guide means for guiding a thread over said first transporting surface; first drive means having a first condition for driving said first transporting roller and a second condition in which said first transporting roller is freely turnable; actuator means connected to said first drive means and being operable to place the same in said first condition or in said second condition; second transporting means having a second transporting surface; second drive means for driving said second transporting means; support means movable between a first position and a second position for supporting said transporting roller for movement between a first position in which said first and second transporting surfaces are spaced from each other and a second position in which said first and second transporting surfaces cooperate to positively transport said thread, said support means being operably connected to said actuator means for operating the same to place said first drive means in said first or second conditions, respectively, when said support means is in said first or second positions, respectively; and control means connected to said support means for selectively moving the same between said first and second positions thereof for moving said transporting roller to said first position and placing said first drive means in said second condition so that said thread is transported by said first transporting roller only and is free to slip on the same, or for moving said transporting roller to said second position and placing said first drive means in said second condition so that said thread is positively transported without slippage.

9. A thread transporting apparatus comprising, in combination, a first transporting roller having a first transporting surface; guide means for guiding a thread over said first transporting surface; first drive means having a first condition for driving said first transporting roller and a second condition in which said first transporting roller is freely turnable; actuator means connected to said first drive means and being operable to place the same in said first condition or in said second condition; a second transporting roller having a second transporting surface; second drive means for driving said second transporting roller; support means movable between a first position and a second position for supporting said second transporting roller for movement between a first position in which said first and second transporting surfaces are spaced from each other and a second position in which said first and second transporting surfaces cooperate to positively transport said thread, said support means being 14 operably connected to said actuator means for operating the same to place said first drive means in said first or second conditions, respectively, when said support means is in said first or second positions, respectively; and control means connected to said support means for selectively moving the same between said first and second positions thereof for moving said second transporting roller to said first position and placing said first drive means in said second condition so that said thread is transported by said first transporting roller only and is free to slip on the same, or for moving said second transporting roller to said second position and placing said first drive means in said second condition so that said thread is positively transported without slippage.

10. A thread transporting apparatus comprising, in combination, first transporting means having a first transporting surface; guide means for guiding a thread over said first transporting surface, first drive means including an electric motor having a first condition for driving said first transporting means at a high speed and a second condition in which said first transporting means is freely movable; actuator switch means connected to said electric motor and being operable to place the same in said first condition or in said second condition; second transporting means having a second transporting surface; second drive means for driving said second transporting means at a lower speed than said high speed; support means movable between a first position and a second position for supporting one of said transporting means for movement between a first position in which said first and second transporting surfaces are spaced from each other and a second position in which said first and second transporting surfaces cooperate to positively transport said thread, said support means being operably connected to said actuator switch means for operating the same to place said electric motor in said first or second conditions, respectively, when said support means is in said first or second positions, respectively; and control means connected to said support means for selectively moving the same between said first and second positions thereof for moving said one transporting means to said first position and placing said first drive means in said second condition so that said thread is transported by said first transporting means only and is free to slip on the same, or for moving said one transporting means to said second position and placing said first drive means in said second condition so that said thread is positively transported without slippage.

11. A thread transporting apparatus for a knitting machine comprising, in combination, a transporting roller having a first transporting surface; guide means for guiding a thread over said first transporting surface; an electric drive motor connected to said transporting roller for rotating the same; switch means connected to said electric drive motor for energizing and de-energizing the same; a transporting band having a second transporting surface; second drive means for driving said transporting band; support means supporting said transporting roller for rotation and for movement with said support means between a first position in which said first and second transporting surfaces are spaced from each other and a second position in which said first and second transporting surfaces cooperate to positively transport said thread, said support means being operably connected to said switch means for operating the same during movement of said support means so that said electric drive motor is energized or tie-energized, respectively, when said transporting roller is in said first or second position, respectively, whereby in said first position of said transporting roller said thread is transported only by the same and is free to slip on said first transporting surface while in said sec ond position of said transporting roller said thread is positively transported without slippage between said first and second transporting surfaces.

12. A thread transporting apparatus as set forth in claim 11 wherein said support includes a lever means;

15 spring means for urging said lever means with said transporting roller into said second position; and control means connected to said lever means for angularly displacing the same for moving said transporting roller to said first position, said lever means actuating said switch means in said first position.

13. A thread transporting apparatus comprising, in combination, first transporting means including a transporting roller having a first transporting surface; guide means for guiding a thread over said first transporting surface; first drive means including an electric motor having a first condition for driving said first transporting means at a high speed and a second condition in which said first transporting means is freely movable, said electric motor having an outer rotor located within said transporting roller and connected with same for rotation therewith, and an inner stator located within said outer rotor; actuator switch means connected to said electric motor and being operable to place the same in said first condition or in said second condition; second transporting means having a second transporting surface; second drive means for driving said second transporting means at a lower speed than said high speed; support means movable between a first position and a second position for supporting one of said transporting means for movement between a first position in which said first and second transporting surfaces are spaced from each other and a second position in which said first and second transporting surfaces cooperate to positively transport said thread; said support means being operably connected to said actuator switch means for operating the same to place said electric motor in said first or second conditions, respectively, when said support means is in said first or second positions, respectively; and control means connected to said support means for selectively moving the same between said first and second positions thereof for moving said one transporting means to said first position and placing said first drive means in said second condition so that said thread is transported by said first transporting means only and is free to slip on the same, or for moving said one transporting means to said second position and placing said first drive means in said second condition so that said thread is positively transported without slippage.

14. A thread transporting apparatus for a knitting machine comprising, in combination, a first transporting roller having a first transporting surface; guide means for guiding a thread over said first transporting surface;

an electric drive motor connected to said first transporting roller for rotating the same; switch means connected to said electric drive motor for energizing and de-energizing the same; a second transporting roller having a second transporting surface; second drive means; coupling means including a first coupling member connected with said second transporting roller and a second member connected with said second drive means; support means supporting said second transporting roller and said first coupling member for rotation, and for translatory movement with said support means between a first position in which said first and second transporting surfaces of said first and second transporting rollers are spaced from each other and said coupling members are disengaged and a second position in which said coupling members engage each other so that said second transporting roller is driven, and in which said first and second transporting surfaces cooperate to positively transport said thread, said support means being operably connected to said switch means for operating the same during movement of said support means so that said electric drive motor is energized or de-energized, respectively, when said second transporting roller is in said first or second position, re-

spectively, whereby said thread is transported in said first position of said second transporting roller only by said first transporting roller and is free to slip on said first transporting surface while in said second position of said second transporting roller said thread is positively transported without slippage between said first and second transporting surfaces.

15. A thread transporting apparatus for a knitting machine comprising, in combination, a first transporting roller having a first transporting surface; guide means for guiding a thread over said first transporting surface; an electric drive motor connected to said first transporting roller for rotating the same; switch means connected to said electric drive motor for energizing and de-energizmg the same; a second transporting roller having a second transporting surface; a friction roller connected with said second transporting roller for rotation therewith and having a friction surface; a rotary drive member having a friction surface opposite said friction roller; second drive means for rotating said drive member; support means supporting said second transporting roller and said friction roller for rotation, and for translatory movement with said support means between a first position in which said first and second transporting surfaces of said first and second transporting rollers and said friction sufaces are spaced from each other and a second position in which said friction surfaces engage each other so that said second transporting roller is driven, and in which said first and second transporting surfaces cooperate to positively transport said thread, said support means being operably connected to said switch means for operating the same during movement of said support means so that said electric drive motor is energized or de-energized, respectively, when said second transporting roller is in said first or second position, respectively, whereby said thread is transported in said first position of said second transporting roller only by said first transporting roller and is free to slip on said first transporting surface while in said second position of said second transporting roller said thread is positively transported without slippage between said first and second transporting surfaces.

16. A thread transporting apparatus as set forth in claim 15 wherein said friction surface of said rotary drive member is circular and has a large diameter adapted to be frictionally engaged at a plurality of circumferentially spaced surface portions by friction rollers; and wherein said friction roller and said second transporting roller are coaxial so that said second transporting roller projects from said circular friction surface; and wherein said support includes a lever means turnable about an axis perpendicular to the axis of rotation of said second transporting roller and extending parallel to said circular friction surface; and including control means for turning said lever means with said second transporting roller and said friction roller.

17. A thread transporting apparatus as set forth in claim 15 wherein said support means includes lever means turnable about an axis parallel to the axis of rotation of said second transporting roller and spaced from the axis of rotation of said first transporting roller.

18. A thread transporting apparatus as set forth in claim 15 wherein said drive member is mounted for axial movement; including first spring means acting on said drive member to urge the same in one axial direction;

and means limiting axial movement of said drive member in two end positions; wherein said friction roller is coaxial with said second transporting roller; second spring means acting on said support means to move said second transporting roller and said friction roller to said second position and urging in said second position of said second transporting roller and friction roller said rotary drive member to move in axial direction against the action of said first spring means; and control means connected to said support means for moving the same with said second transporting roller and friction roller to said first position.

19. A thread transporting apparatus as set forth in claim 18 including a plurality of said rotary drive members spaced above the periphery of said knitting machine,

each adapted to cooperate with a friction roller; a pulley connected to each rotary drive member for rotation; a belt loop passing about said pulleys; and wherein said second drive means drives said belt loop.

20. In combination with a circular knitting machine having a plurality of knitting stations and pattern control means, a plurality of thread transporting apparatuses as set forth in claim 5 respectively correlated With said knitting stations, said control means of said thread transporting apparatuses being connected to said pattern control means and operated by the same to transport said threads with or without slippage corresponding to the pattern.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,309,026 1/43 Thost 66146 2,432,685 12/47 Sawyer 66-132 3,090,215 5/63 Rosen 66132 FOREIGN PATENTS 1,133,853 7/62 Germany.

10 DONALD w. PARKER, Primary Examiner. 

1. A THREAD TRANSPORTING APPARATUS COMPRISING, IN COMBINATION, FIRST TRANSPORTING MEANS HAVING A FIRST TRANSPORTING SURFACE; GUIDE MEANS FOR GUIDING A THREAD OVER SAID FIRST TRANSPORTING SURFACE; FIRST DRIVE MEANS FOR DRIVING SAID FIRST TRANSPORTING MEANS; SECOND TRANSPORTING MEANS HAVING A SECOND TRANSPORTING SURFACE; SECOND DRIVE MEANS FOR DRIVING SAID SECOND TRANSPORTING MEANS; AND MEANS FOR MOVING ONE OF SAID TRANSPORTING MEANS BETWEEN A FIRST POSITION IN WHICH SAID FIRST AND SECOND TRANSPORTING SURFACES ARE SPACED FROM EACH OTHER AND SAID THREAD IS TRANSPORTED BY SAID FIRST TRANSPORTING MEANS SO THAT IT IS FREE TO SLIP ON SAID FIRST TRANSPORTING SURFACE, AND A SECOND POSITION IN WHICH SAID FIRST AND SECOND TRANSPORTING SURFACES COOPERATE TO POSITIVELY TRANSPORT SAID THREAD WITHOUT SLIPPAGE. 